Lisa M. Gelman – Compassionate Elder Law Attorney Serving Southwest Florida

Experienced Legal Counsel in Estate Planning, Guardianships, and Elder Protection

Attorney Lisa M. Gelman is a dedicated legal professional at Martin Law Firm, specializing in Elder Law, including Estate Planning, Guardianships, and protection planning for vulnerable adults. With a profound commitment to serving the elderly community, Lisa assists clients in developing comprehensive action plans and navigating complex legal processes to safeguard their interests and well-being.

Educational Background and Early Career

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Law from the University of Florida, providing her with a solid foundation in legal principles and the criminal justice system. She furthered her education by obtaining a Juris Doctorate from St. Thomas University School of Law in 1998, where she focused on elder law and related fields.

Beginning her legal career at the Guardianship Program of Dade County, Inc., Lisa gained extensive experience in guardianship matters. Her role involved managing complex cases and advocating for the rights and protection of incapacitated individuals. This experience honed her proficiency in guardianship law and reinforced her dedication to serving vulnerable populations.

Professional Experience and Notable Achievements

Throughout her career, Lisa has been committed to educating the community and professionals about the guardianship process and exploring alternatives to guardianship. She has conducted seminars and workshops aimed at providing valuable insights into elder law, empowering individuals and families to make informed decisions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa demonstrated adaptability and legal acumen by prevailing in one of Florida’s first virtual guardianship trials via Zoom. This achievement underscores her ability to navigate unprecedented challenges while effectively advocating for her clients.

Practice Areas

Lisa’s practice encompasses a range of elder law services, including:

  • Estate Planning: Crafting personalized estate plans that include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives to ensure clients’ wishes are honored and their assets are protected.

  • Guardianships: Assisting families in establishing legal guardianships for incapacitated loved ones, ensuring their safety and well-being through proper legal oversight.

  • Protection Planning for Vulnerable Adults: Developing strategies to safeguard vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, including implementing protective measures and advocating for their rights.

Professional Affiliations and Committee Involvement

Lisa is an active member of several professional organizations, reflecting her commitment to staying abreast of developments in elder law and related fields:

  • The Florida Bar:

    • Elder Law Section, Member
    • Real Property, Probate, and Estate Planning Section, Member

  • Lee County Bar Association:

    • Elder Law Section, Member

  • Estate Planning Council of Lee County, Inc.

  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc.

  • Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys

Her committee involvement includes:

  • Florida Bar Elder Law Section Special Needs Trust Committee: Member (2019–2023)

  • Florida Bar Elder Law Section Guardianship Committee: Member (2023–Present)

Awards and Recognition

Lisa’s dedication to pro bono work and community service has been recognized through various accolades:

  • 2018 Florida Rural Legal Services Pro Bono Program Certificate of Appreciation: Honoring her commitment to providing free legal services to underserved populations.

  • 2022 Lee County Bar Association Pro Bono Award: Acknowledging her outstanding volunteer legal services within the community.

Personal Life

Outside of her legal practice, Lisa is devoted to her family. She and her husband, Heath Gelman, who practices personal injury law at Parvey Cavenago, P.A., are proud parents of four children. Balancing a demanding career with family life, Lisa exemplifies dedication both professionally and personally.

Contact Information

Lisa M. Gelman is committed to providing compassionate and knowledgeable legal assistance to clients in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and the surrounding Southwest Florida areas. To schedule a consultation, please contact the Martin Law Firm.

Attorney Lisa M. Gelman is dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of elder law with empathy and expertise, ensuring the protection and dignity of vulnerable individuals in the community.

Schedule Consultation